”Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value“ Albert Einstein Aphorism Early to mid-20th century Germany/Switzerland 0 0 0 0 Write the first comment Meaning The meaning of this phrase delves into the philosophy of self-worth and the essence of human existence. It suggests that pursuing success defined by societal standards is not as valuable as striving to achieve genuine worth through actions that contribute positively to humanity. This perspective emphasizes inner values over external achievements, cultivating a sense of fulfillment that transcends materialistic gains. Allegory The allegorical image encapsulates the essence of the phrase by juxtaposing the concepts of success and value. The wise figure symbolizes the wisdom needed to prioritize values over superficial achievements. The balance scale illustrates the decision-making process between fleeting success and enduring worth. The sunrise in the background evokes feelings of hope, new beginnings, and the continuous possibility to live a life of value. Applicability In everyday life, this phrase can inspire individuals to focus on their actions and contributions to society. For example, one might seek to make kindness a priority, engage in community service, or prioritize ethical decision-making in their career. The idea here is to measure oneself by the impact on others rather than by traditional measures of success such as financial security or status. Impact This phrase has had a significant impact on culture and society, inspiring discussions around ethics in business, personal conduct, and life philosophy. It often serves as a guiding principle for leadership, education, and personal development, resonating with those who strive to lead by example. Historical Context While the exact date of this quote is unclear, it is reflective of Einstein's views during the early to mid-20th century when he became an advocate for peace and human rights, sharing insights that extended beyond physics into society's moral fabric. Criticisms Some criticisms of this quote stem from interpretations that equate 'value' only with altruism, potentially undermining the value of personal ambition or success in motivating change. Critics may argue that success can also lead to positive societal contributions and that both concepts should coexist harmoniously. Variations Variations of this phrase can be found in various cultures that emphasize virtue and character over material success, such as Eastern philosophies that advocate for humility and moral integrity. Different interpretations may highlight communal values versus individual accomplishments, enriching the understanding of ‘value’ across cultures. Go back to the description 280 characters left Send Comment No Comments You never fail until you stop trying. Popular culture Read more We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. Albert Einstein Read more I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. Albert Einstein Read more The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Jack Sparrow (fictional character) Read more Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. Albert Einstein Read more Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. Albert Einstein Read more The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. Albert Einstein Read more The only limit is your soul. Popular culture Read more Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. Albert Einstein Read more I spent my whole life trying not to be careless. Women and children can afford to be careless, but not men. Ernest Hemingway Read more By signing in, you'll enable saving your preferences and be able to post comments. By signing in, you'll enable saving your preferences and be able to post comments. Sign in with: or Sign in with your email address: Email Password Sign in Loading... Name Insert your name or nick (3 to 20 char). Email Insert a valid email address to be verified. Password 8+ chars, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number, 1 special @$!%*?_+ Clicking the Create account button will send you a verification email. Create account New here? Create an account. Previous Close
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. Albert Einstein Read more
The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Jack Sparrow (fictional character) Read more
The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. Albert Einstein Read more
I spent my whole life trying not to be careless. Women and children can afford to be careless, but not men. Ernest Hemingway Read more